Store Brand (Generic) Infant Formula

Experts agree that breast milk is best for babies, but for mothers who do not wish or cannot breast feed store brand formula provides a value-priced powdered infant formula that is equivalent to the more costly national brands.

Store brand infant formula was first introduced in the United States in 1997 by PBM Products. PBM Products produces its private label formula in the only ISO 9001:2000-certified infant formula-manufacturing facility in the U.S.A. Under the Infant Formula Act ALL infant formula brands adhere to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.

The Mayo Clinic stated in a November 2007 publication: “As with most consumer products, brand-name infant formulas cost more than generic brands. But that doesn't mean that brand-name [Similac, Nestle, Enfamil] formulas are better. Although manufacturers may vary somewhat in their formula recipes, the FDA requires that all formulas contain the same nutrient density.”

Private label infant formulas have allowed the leading food and drug retailers to provide formula to customers that is labeled under the store brands of companies such as Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, Loblaws, and Walgreens.

Different Types of Powdered Formula

Gentle Milk-Based DHA Formula

Designed to be used as the first choice when switching formulas. It is easy to digest and contains partially broken down whey protein with 1/4th the amount of lactose in standard milk-based formulas. This formula is also recommended for babies who experience fussiness and/or gas

Organic Milk-Based DHA Formula

Organic formulas contain all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are required for healthy development and is suitable for most term infants during their first year. Organic formulas are made in accordance with USDA regulations and meet the National Organic Program (NOP) guidelines for organic productions substances.

Milk-Based DHA Formula

This is considered to be the most commonly used formulas. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), normal full-term infants can use a conventional cow's milk-based formula without problems.

Soy-Based Infant Formula with DHA & ARA

Soy-Based formulas provide a nutritionally complete alternative to infants that have a lactose intolerance or allergies to cow's milk protein. Soy formulas will also help infants recover from diarrhea.

Follow-On Infant Formula with DHA & ARA (Stage 2 or Follow up Formula) Most commonly called Stage 2 formulas, are designed to be given to infants over the age of 4 months who are being supplemented with baby cereals and foods. Lactose-Free Formula

Lactose-free formulas are recomended for infants that are lactose intolerant. This formula eliminates the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance but still offer the protein found in cow's milk.

Manufacturers

PBM Products: The first to introduce store brand formula in the U.S.

Sources

November 2007 publication Mayo Clinic

Paramount Journal – April 29, 1999

PBM Products

Infant Formula Act